Royals rumors: Alex Gordon plans to exercise 2016 player option

Royals' outfielder Alex Gordon plans to delay his free agency by picking up his $13.25 million player option for 2016, according to a report from Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star. Gordon indicated to McCullough that he is happy in Kansas City and is satisfied with delaying a potential big payday to remain with the Royals' organization.

Gordon, who has emerged as the face of the Royals' franchise, has hit .282/.357/.446 with fourteen home runs while displaying excellent defense in left field. The 30-year old will earn $12.5 million next season before deciding whether or not to test the free agent market, and at this point seems to be leaning heavily towards taking the short-term option to remain in Kansas City for 2016.

Scouts around the game told McCullough that Gordon would likely command a five-year deal in the $75-95 million range after next season if he became a free agent, with Hunter Pence's five-year, $90 million deal with the Giants serving as a possible comparison. If he picks up his player option, Gordon will hit the free agent market entering his age-33 season.

In eight seasons with the Royals, Gordon is a lifetime .270/.346/.437 hitter with 116 home runs and 457 RBI in 997 games. The former second overall pick has won three Gold Glove awards while being named to the AL All-Star team in each of the last two seasons.